End of season welcome for Albion

West Brom FanZoner Joe Chapman hopes the Baggies can end a disappointing season on a high against Stoke at The Hawthorns on Sunday.

The feel-good factor at The Hawthorns following the 1-0 victory over West Ham was infectious. The relief that the players had delivered Pepe Mel his first victory on home soil was overwhelming. It also effectively meant that Albion were safe for another season.

Good thing, too.

For the combined total of 700 miles that myself and thousands of others journeyed in the space of four days between Sunday and Wednesday proved fruitless. If the season was a couple of games longer, I'd be pretty anxious right now.

The Baggies gave it a good go against Arsenal, who also looked like they were ready for the beach with fourth place accomplished prior to the fixture. We didn't really have any clear cut chances, but certainly didn't make it easy for Arsene Wenger's men, especially in the second half.

The match at the Stadium of Light, however, was very poor. Pepe Mel publicly apologised to the travelling fans post-match, while his comments later suggest he may not be in charge next season.

He is supposedly being touted by Malaga, but it remains to be seen whether Jeremy Peace is willing to take a risk.

The squad, as everyone knows, requires dismantling and rebuilding this summer, with around eight players (including loanees) exiting and at least five or six needed as replacements.

One player who is constantly linked is Craig Gardner. The midfielder, who wants a Midlands return, is out of contract at Sunderland and seemingly not in Gus Poyet's long term plans.

One story that has disgruntled the majority of Albion fans is the the club's apparent plan to introduce pinstriped shirts into next season's Adidas-manufactured kit.

I believe the adage 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' applies here. Far too much is happening in modern football that detracts from history and tradition. Just ask Cardiff fans.

All in all, it has been a season of uncertainty, disappointment, and a sense of unfilled potential, in terms of what we achieved last season and out inability to build on it. Just Stoke, our notorious bogey team, on Sunday are left to compound the misery.

If 'WBA 0-1 Stoke (Odemwingie 90)' appears at the bottom of the videprinter beneath Jeff Stelling, how many people would it surprise?

Not many perhaps, but I'm sure Mel and the players will be trying their utmost to ensure the campaign at least ends on a high.

Come on you Baggies!

You can follow Joe on Twitter at @jcwba16 - and don't forget to follow @FanZone too for links to all the latest blogs.